Shadows over Sjoldir

[Eborne1]

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Goran Halfbjorn  _{Dire-Bear Berserker}

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Goran was no more. His words of desperation to his clansman had already flown from his mind; washed out by an all consuming rage and the territorial instinct of a direbear.

The bear gallops forward, huffing and grunting. He shoulders past Hjarlof and as he approaches the writhing, snapping mass of tentacles, he rises up high on two legs before lashing out and downward with one heavy paw of knife-like claws, hoping to hew cleanly through and smash the creature under his weight.

OOC

I forgot to add for improved grapple.

Grab = 32

Quick Stats

Human Form Init 3  Speed 40 HP 56/46 STR 18, DEX 16, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 8 AC 20 Touch 16  Flat-footed 17 CMD 23 Fort: 7 Ref: 8 Will: 4 BAB (5) CMB +9 Primary Weapons: Shifter Claws (2) (at will) +10(1d4+4) - DR Silver/Cold Iron Club +9 (1d6+4) / Short Spears +8(1d6+4) 20ft Range Armor: Lamellar Leather (+4AC) (+3Dex) Shifter - Defensive Tactics (+2) Special Abilities: Shifter Aspect (Bear) (+2 CON) (4/7 min/day) Wild Shape (Dire Bear) (5/7 hours/day) Conditions: RAGE / Shifter Aspect

Bear Form (large)  Init 2  Speed 50   HP 56/46 STR 22 [26], DEX 14, CON 14 [18], INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 8 AC 21 Touch 17  Flat-footed 18 CMD 25 Fort: 7 Ref: 7 Will: 4 BAB (5) CMB +12 Primary Weapons: Claws(2) +12(2d4+6)+Grab Bite +12(2d6+6)+Grab Armor: Natural Armor +4 Shifter - Defensive Tactics +4 Special Abilities: Grab, Pounce, Low Light Vision, Scent: (30ft) Conditions:  [Raging Song]: (WHEN APPLICABLE)+2 STR/CON and WILL Saves -1 AC RAGE +4 STR/CON

Combat Actions

Free:

Swift:

Move: Move

Standard: Melee Power Attack

Full Round:

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Edited April 7 by Eborne1 (see edit history)

[Ace Bronson]

 

 

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The giant white bear and the hulking, vile mass collide and become a tangled riot of violence. The claws and tentacles of the beast rip and slash into the hide of the bear, the foul jaws gnash and bite.

A wave of nausea sweeps over Goran and his vision blurs. Out of sheer rage he holds it back for a moment but it overcomes him. The great white bear contorts and distends as it transforms into a horrifying mass consisting of part man, part bear but with no recognizable shape or form. The two giant masses remain entangled with each other for the moment.

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OOC

Goran takes 8 Damage and needs to make two Fort saves.

The PC's may now act after the saves are resolved

 

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Edited April 7 by Ace Bronson (see edit history)

[Ace Bronson]

 

 

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Again Alfdis tries to exert their will over their mortal form. Finally they succeed and force their body back to its original state. They reach down and pick up their axe, ready to rejoin the fray.

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Edited April 7 by Ace Bronson (see edit history)

[Eborne1]

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Goran Halfbjorn  _{Dire-Bear Berserker}

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Searing pain tears through Goran's fur and flesh. He doesn't even realize he's transforming. He only knows a blind rage.

He fights against the foul magic with all his will.

He feels as if in a fever dream. He's nearly dragged drowned and smothered in darkness. He roars as he struggles for the surface of a sucking, fetid abyss and then tears himself from the frigid grasp of death. He takes a deep breath of air and his bears eyes return from blind grey to coal black and he can see again. He recommits himself to the mauling carnage into which he is fully immersed as razor tentacles continue to snap out all around him.

OOC

Will Save (+2 from Rage)

Quick Stats

Human Form Init 3  Speed 40 HP 56/46 STR 18, DEX 16, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 8 AC 20 Touch 16  Flat-footed 17 CMD 23 Fort: 7 Ref: 8 Will: 4 BAB (5) CMB +9 Primary Weapons: Shifter Claws (2) (at will) +10(1d4+4) - DR Silver/Cold Iron Club +9 (1d6+4) / Short Spears +8(1d6+4) 20ft Range Armor: Lamellar Leather (+4AC) (+3Dex) Shifter - Defensive Tactics (+2) Special Abilities: Shifter Aspect (Bear) (+2 CON) (4/7 min/day) Wild Shape (Dire Bear) (5/7 hours/day) Conditions: RAGE / Shifter Aspect

Bear Form (large)  Init 2  Speed 50   HP 56/46 STR 22 [26], DEX 14, CON 14 [18], INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 8 AC 21 Touch 17  Flat-footed 18 CMD 25 Fort: 7 Ref: 7 Will: 4 BAB (5) CMB +12 Primary Weapons: Claws(2) +12(2d4+6)+Grab Bite +12(2d6+6)+Grab Armor: Natural Armor +4 Shifter - Defensive Tactics +4 Special Abilities: Grab, Pounce, Low Light Vision, Scent: (30ft) Conditions:  [Raging Song]: (WHEN APPLICABLE)+2 STR/CON and WILL Saves -1 AC RAGE +4 STR/CON

Combat Actions

Free:

Swift:

Move:

Standard: Will Save

Full Round:

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Edited April 7 by Eborne1 (see edit history)

[Xssisha]

 

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Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning

Alfdis snaps back into human shape, and does the thing Vikings know best, gets right back into the fray. Still obviously feeling the wear of the experience, Alfdis looks a touch uncertain, so Hjarlof places his firm hand upon the shoulder and weaves a verse of reassurance into the 'patch' in the Weave that he had begun only seconds before.

 

Few would know the difference in the Dire Bears roar from rage or pain, but Hjarlof noted it. He looked up and for a few moments could see little to distinguish any thing different than he expected... But then he saw Goran begin to take on parts of all three forms... Then he is back, full of the furry Fury that haunts the nightmares of survivors of Polar bear encounters.

Combat Actions

Free: Maintaining Raging Song

Swift:

Move:

Standard: Cure Moderate Wounds (2d8+5) on Alfdis (2+3+5=10 HP)

Full Round:

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OOC: Inspired Rage (STR & CON+2, Will Saves+2, AC-1, Speed+5')

Edited April 7 by Xssisha (see edit history)

[Zaathun]

Ranulf the Rooster  _{Human Raider}

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The attention faced away from him, as Goran and the monster clash with thunderous swipes, Ranulf sees his chance. Swinging his axes with fury and speed, he begins chopping at the tentacles in his hopes to reach a more vulnerable part of the monster.

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Stats

Ranulf TN Human (URogue 5)

Init 5  Speed 30  HP 36/48
AC 22  Touch 15  Flat-footed 13 CMD 22
Fort 3  Ref 9  Will 2
Base Attack Bonus 3
Primary Weapon: Mwk Boarding Axe (2) (at will) +10(1d6+5/7)
Armor: Studded Leather Armour - Light Armor - (+3AC) (+5Dex) (+2 Shield when Weapons drawn) (+1 Combat Expertise, Threatening Defender)
Abilities:  Str 10, Dex 21, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12
Conditions: None
Special Abilities

Sneak Attack +3d6
Debilitating Injury (Ex)
Minor Magic (Read Magic)
Arcane Strike (Sp)

Combat Actions

Free: 5ft.

Swift: Activating Arcane Strike

Move: Full Attack

Standard: Full Attack, reducing AC with the attacks this time, -2 vs all, and -4 against me.

 

 

[Ace Bronson]

 

 

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The warriors manage to regroup around the monster while Ranulf plants his axe into the writhing mass. While the axe clearly damages the beast he is still unable to exploit any discernable anatomy as it is constantly shifting and changing. horrible, alien shrieks emanate from it's many mouths as the axe finds purchase. Still entangled with the white bear it vents it's inhuman hate on Goran.

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OOC

 

 

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Edited April 7 by Ace Bronson (see edit history)

[Eborne1]

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Goran Halfbjorn  _{Dire-Bear Berserker}

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Taken aback by the violent, thrashing reaction the creature made to being held down against its will and to the barrage of lacerations and alien magics Goran was exposed to, he pulls back from the creature, releasing his hold on it and rising up again, high on his hind legs.

He bellows a roar that again fills the cavern with the quaking tumult. He sees an opening in the creature's flailing defenses and crashes back down upon it, biting and tearing, as blood pours from his rippling white coat, now the color of carnage.

OOC

Releases grapple to full attack. All power Attacks

Regrapple = 27

Quick Stats

Human Form Init 3  Speed 40 HP 56/46 STR 18, DEX 16, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 8 AC 20 Touch 16  Flat-footed 17 CMD 23 Fort: 7 Ref: 8 Will: 4 BAB (5) CMB +9 Primary Weapons: Shifter Claws (2) (at will) +10(1d4+4) - DR Silver/Cold Iron Club +9 (1d6+4) / Short Spears +8(1d6+4) 20ft Range Armor: Lamellar Leather (+4AC) (+3Dex) Shifter - Defensive Tactics (+2) Special Abilities: Shifter Aspect (Bear) (+2 CON) (4/7 min/day) Wild Shape (Dire Bear) (5/7 hours/day) Conditions: RAGE / Shifter Aspect

Bear Form (large)  Init 2  Speed 50   HP 56/46 STR 22 [26], DEX 14, CON 14 [18], INT 10, WIS 14, CHA 8 AC 21 Touch 17  Flat-footed 18 CMD 25 Fort: 7 Ref: 7 Will: 4 BAB (5) CMB +12 Primary Weapons: Claws(2) +12(2d4+6)+Grab Bite +12(2d6+6)+Grab Armor: Natural Armor +4 Shifter - Defensive Tactics +4 Special Abilities: Grab, Pounce, Low Light Vision, Scent: (30ft) Conditions:  [Raging Song]: (WHEN APPLICABLE)+2 STR/CON and WILL Saves -1 AC RAGE +4 STR/CON

Combat Actions

Free: Release Grapple

Swift:

Move:

Standard:

Full Round: Full attack + Grab

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Edited April 7 by Eborne1 (see edit history)

[Ace Bronson]

 

 

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The great bear tears into the eldritch horror with animal fury. Goran rips and shreds its grotesque body, taking chunks and appendages off, spraying gouts of foul black ichor in all directions. The beast gives back to the bear, clawing, biting and lashing, leaving great weeping gashes it Goran's hide. The assault is too much for the creature to bear and as its physical form is rent asunder the most awful, discordant cacophony erupts from all of its gaping maws in unison. The sound is maddening and all who hear it fear they will lose their minds. Mercifully the awful sound is short lived and the remains of the beast collapse in a disgusting pile. Goran however appears to be succumbing to his wounds. despite any care and encouragement his comrades attempt to give him. In the last gasping moments of his life the curse of the beast coursed through his body, causing it to change rapidly and lose it shape. Finally as his last ragged breath escaped him his body came to rest in the form of the great white bear, streaked red with his own blood and black with the foul ooze of the horror. There was a solemn moment of silence.

The chanting immediately ceases and is replaced by weeping, moaning, pleas for mercy and the sounds of violent murder. These sounds appear to come from above and on closer inspection it's revealed that there is an elevated area overlooking the entirety of the chamber that had been filled with chanting cultists. Now the crowd has descended into chaos. It appears that the majority of the people had been under an enchantment that was broken the moment the beast was slain. Some of them then turn on the few who had been consciously complicit in ushering in this eldritch darkness. They savagely mob the priests, stabbing, clawing and choking them with whatever is at hand. Those that are aware enough seem to understand what had happened to them as if it were a waking nightmare. They are incredibly grateful towards the warriors who slew the beast of Shub Niggurath and saved them.

Those who had been cursed by the touch of the beast struggle for some time to shake it's effects. Several more times they are unable to hold their form and revert to an amorphous horror but eventually it seems that the are able to finally rid themselves of its clutch.

On further investigation of the ruined temple the warriors find other scenes that assault the mind and turn the stomach. They found caged chambers where unfortunate wretches were in the process of being changed into the beastmen that they had formerly encountered. It was clear that the only merciful thing to do was end their misery...

There is a chamber where ill gotten treasure has been stored. Most of it clearly pilfered and pillaged from the community of Sjoldr and beyond.

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OOC

That's a lot of info all at once. I'll give you all a chance to respond and interact. We can get into the details of the treasure in a moment after y'all have had a chance to react to the scene.

 

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Edited April 7 by Ace Bronson (see edit history)

[Xssisha]

 

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Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning

Hjarlof kneels beside the massive head of his friend. With all his effort and skill at song and medicine there was naught he could do. Goran passed on with a rattling exhalation and at that moment Hjarlof leaned back and roared to the sky, the most beastial roar he could manage. "Let the guards know a true warrior is coming to them."

He ignored the sounds of conflict further in, as he was kneeling in silent prayer and composition for his friend and Clansman.

Combat Actions

Free:

Swift:

Move:

Standard:

Full Round:

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OOC:

[Eborne1]

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In the shadows, a figure, crouched and hidden, had managed to, thus far, escape notice.

Suddenly beside himself at what he'd just witnessed, the figure, a man, gasps aloud at the sudden roaring cry from the mourning Skald.

Realizing he's been discovered, the man quickly flees back in the direction of the cave's entrance and disappears into the surrounding wood.

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Edited April 8 by Eborne1 (see edit history)

[Zaathun]

Ranulf the Rooster  _{Human Raider}

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Finally resting, coated in grime, ooze and blood, Ranulf tucks the hatchets at his belt. The song of fury coursing through his veins seems to have had an effect upon its leaving, as he's panting like a tired dog. He remains quiet and steadfast as he glances at the dying bearserker. "Rest now, and feast with the heroes of old, friend.", he mutters a long while after, before the roar of the skald wakes his reflexes once more. The hidden figure sprinting away almost prompts a response from the man, but the soreness of his legs and the memories of the horrid transformation still weakening his legs, tearing through his body.

"You won't escape the Norns, coward!", he shouts at the escapee, before turning his attention towards the ruckus. "Hjarlof, we'll give him the send off he deserves - when the battle is done. The foulness hasn't left this place yet."



 

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Stats

Ranulf TN Human (URogue 5)

Init 5  Speed 30  HP 36/48
AC 22  Touch 15  Flat-footed 13 CMD 22
Fort 3  Ref 9  Will 2
Base Attack Bonus 3
Primary Weapon: Mwk Boarding Axe (2) (at will) +10(1d6+5/7)
Armor: Studded Leather Armour - Light Armor - (+3AC) (+5Dex) (+2 Shield when Weapons drawn) (+1 Combat Expertise, Threatening Defender)
Abilities:  Str 10, Dex 21, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12
Conditions: None
Special Abilities

Sneak Attack +3d6
Debilitating Injury (Ex)
Minor Magic (Read Magic)
Arcane Strike (Sp)

Combat Actions

Free:

Swift:

Move:

Standard:

 

 

[Xssisha]

 

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Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning

Ranulf's words bring him fully back to the now. "Thank you, friend Ranulf." Hjarlof regains his feet and moves forward with him and Alfdis. The messy scene playing out on the concourse above leaves little doubt to who were willing and unwilling parties... And the unwilling clearly had the upper hand this time.

 

Once the violence had done and the civilians had made their way to the cavern floor, Hjarlof addressed them. "Good People! Pray attend to my words! There has been much death, privation and distress wrought this night and those that came before. Please make your way to the Jarls hall where you can find healing an succour. Travel as a group and tell the tales you know to those there. Tell that this den of evil is overthrown. Tell the Seers there that Ranulf, Alfdis and Hjarlof will rejoin them soon."

 

With that task addressed, Hjarlof pushes through the crowd to finish clearing the cave with his two remaining companions.

Combat Actions

Free:

Swift:

Move:

Standard:

Full Round:

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OOC:

[Ace Bronson]

 

 

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The brutal deeds were nearly done as the warriors found their way up to the gathering of cultists. It was if a fog was lifting from their minds as the madness that had gripped them faded. Each has their own reaction, for some it was too much and they collapse to the ground, weeping quietly. Others are distressed, pulling the odd trappings from their bodies with revulsion, remembering the awful things they had done in the service of Shub Niggurath. It is clear to them now, who had lured them to this awful plight. They had turned on those traitors to humanity and savagely killed them in righteous passion. They now turn to the approaching heroes and listen to Hjarlof's words. Some weep for joy and supplicate themselves at the warrior's feet. Those that are more capable rouse those that are not. It is clear that though many are from the village of Sjoldr and the surrounding area, others are not. There a fair number of folk from the north and the Airing tribes. They gather together, with fear and suspicion in their eyes, not feeling comfortable or safe in the company of those that might consider them enemies in other circumstances, but Hjarlof's words eventually convince them that they will find at least temporary safety and shelter at the meadhall before the depart for their home.

There are some that are more sturdy and capable despite what they've been through and they offer to help collect the stolen treasure and other things of value. Everyone travels together to the ruin's entrance and all are dazzled by the bright noon sun that has been absent in the lands for many weeks. the Shadow over Sjoldr has been lifted and the people's hearts soar as they weep for joy at the feel of warm sun on their faces.

They travel back to the meadhall and come before the young Jarl and his seer. He is beyond joyful and there has already been celebration at the unveiling of the sun. The Jarl has a feast prepare with what can be mustered. It is meager by most standards but that day it felt like a king's feast to all. The Jarl is grateful for the return on the lost riches and says that it will be essential in rebuilding his community and convincing thanes and warriors to return to his service. But of course he cannot allow such brave and deadly warriors to leave empty handed. He lays out the finest pieces of the hoard and invites the three heroes to each choose one one they value most. He is sad to hear of the death of Goran, and he is eager to hear the tale of their exploits. He calls on Hjarlof to recount the tale for him before they depart his lands.

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OOC

 

 

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[Xssisha]

 

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Hjarlof Hornblower Skald of Clan Hvítabiôrning

The young Jarl was understandably in high spirits, and curious to know what had transpired. Hjarlof 's heart ached as he was asked to recount their tale, for it would be a tale of valour and loss. He bowed to the chief and then walked somberly to stand in front of the halls large fire. In a low voice he began.

 

"Hope, Courage and fell deeds. Long ago there were gods worshipped in the darkness, who fought against Odin and his children, seeking to undo, if possible, even the weaving of the Norns. In the darkness, the followers wove darkness, deceit and despair. They abducted, coerced and tricked good people to do their bidding."

 

Hjarlof gestured to the old soldier that had been their guide around town. "Afler we left this fellows company our band made all possible haste through the woods, following a scream in the darkness. Sadly arriving at a farm too late to prevent slaughter, we visited the righteous wrath upon the raiders we encountered. But what manner of raiders were these? Cursed souls who had been warped by the darkness into Half-beast Half-men. Goat heads, Rams heads and more. They fought with savagery and brutality, but we're crushed beneath the fury of the proud and courageous sons and daughters of the north. Goran the Great White Bearsark slew three as he crushed the beneath his massive paws. Ranulf the Rooster stuck down one with his lightning fast strike paired with Alfdis' mighty axe, and the other fell to Blodarna and her mighty strikes. We gave the farmers such a funeral as haste and need would allow, also burning the corpses of our assailants to ash."

 

"Catching the trail into the woods, we decided to take the fight to the beasts. But little ways onward, we came up on a scene of unholy revelry with chanting and naked dancers invoking a dark god. I lulled one out of her stupor, but having broken the hold of one, the whole ritual came unraveled, and a massive guardian made it's entrance, shattering trees and shrubs. Standing as tall as a house, and about as wide as a longboat, it glared and bellowed. Heading not the ritual bonfire it charged us, massive warclub swinging, spraying cinders and spittle. Again, Goran the White met the charge of the foe, matching strength with strength... Once; Twice it struck him, to be met with tooth and claw. Ranulf circled and struck, Blodarna and Alfdis following up with their own. Fur and fury won out as the two large combatants crashed to the ground, the bull-headed monster having his throat crushed."

 

"With the threat clearly escalating, the decision was made to return Blodarna, Alruna and Sakura with the rescued woman here, as you know, to reinforce her in case of a counter offensive. The rest of us pressing on. We followed the tracks to a cave, and within found more evidence of dark acts, but eventually came upon the architect of this blight. A naked man, surrounded by chanting. He declared that he and his God would steal the day from the creation of Odin and fill the night with vile abominations... And then he burst in a shower of black ooze and putrid muck. Four legs, seven fang filled maws, and innumerable tentacles. The shriek it emitted inside the cave is something from beyond the imaginings of men, a sound that your soul hears and your waking ears rejects. Bravely Ranulf leapt to the attack, only to be raked savagely by clawed tentacles... But worse was the poison dripping from them, for moments later he too burst into a writhing mass of tentacles. Alfdis, heeding the danger but determined to stop at nothing for the safety of this land and her friends buried her axe deep in the beast, being sprayed with ichor and then viciously lacerated the same as Ranulf, with the same result... But no sooner had she been changed, than Ranulf reappeared as himself, leaping again to the attack even as Goran assumed his native Polarbear form once more, matching tooth and claw to the enemy's maw and tentacle. The two crashed together. A sight worthy of song. The white and the black wrapped about each other, both in a bitter struggle for dominance... But this time the hurt sustained was more even than the mighty Great White Bearsark could stand. Ripping apart his foe and rippling with the beginnings of the transformation to tentacle monster, Goran sank to his side, and then to the earth breathing his last, but dieing a true Viking... Coat drenched in the blood of his enemies and stop the corpse of a thing from beyond the darkness."

 

Hjarlof raised a drinking horn to the ceiling. "A great loss and a great victory today, my Lords and Ladies. And a great tale for the tables of Valhalla. My friend and Clansman has truly earned his rest and seat at those tables."

Combat Actions

Free:

Swift:

Move:

Standard:

Full Round:

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OOC: